'KIA player moves to Hanwha in surprise transfer': Lee Hyung-beom, who showed deep attachment to his hometown team until the end, said, "It was a team I didn't want to leave."

*This content was translated by AI.

A more heartbreaking piece of news than the two-game losing streak was delivered. Within the KIA Tigers squad, which suddenly had to part ways with a teammate, a sorrowful sentiment spread, and Keisho Shirakawa even shed tears. It was difficult for them to easily accept the separation from Lee Hyung-beom (32), who was leaving the team via trade.

On the 23rd, KIA announced that it executed a one-on-one trade with Hanwha Eagles during their 12th match of the season at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, sending pitcher Lee Hyung-beom and receiving infielder Ha Ju-seok in exchange for a 3-9 loss.

KIA, currently in fourth place, has struggled to close the gap with top-tier teams, while Hanwha, in sixth place, is in a critical situation where it must show its strength to qualify for the postseason. Both sides exchanged cards to strengthen their respective weaknesses—KIA's infield and bullpen, and Hanwha's pitching staff—and announced the trade immediately after the conclusion of the three-game series.

While KIA received Ha Ju-seok as a suitable card to fill the hole at shortstop, where no clear owner had been found, by giving adequate rest to Kim Do-young and Kim Sun-bin, players could not easily accept the sudden parting from familiar teammates.

Although both clubs had already reached an agreement, the trade was announced only immediately after the game concluded because the match was in progress, and players learned of the news only after the game ended.

After the game, the KIA squad gathered around the mound. At the center stood Lee Hyung-beom. They took a final group photo wearing the same uniform. Some players had reddened eyes, and so did Lee Hyung-beom.

When meeting reporters, Lee Hyung-beom said, "I cried a little." He added, "After the game, the manager called me over and told me I would be going to Hanwha. He said, 'This is a good opportunity for you,' but I replied, 'Please call me again if there's another chance.' Since Hanwha is also a good team and this is how things turned out, I will take it as a bigger opportunity and do my best."

Lee Hyung-beom first wore the NC Dinos uniform after being selected in the 2012 special draft but failed to stand out. However, after Yang Eui-ji moved to NC via free agency in 2019, he joined Doosan as a compensation player and soared. That year, he recorded six wins, three losses, 19 saves, and 19 holds, playing a pivotal role in the bullpen and leading his team to the championship.

However, Lee Hyung-beom later went on a downward trajectory and moved to his hometown team KIA starting from the 2024 season through the second draft. Although his performance over the past two seasons was disappointing, he had been delivering golden performances this season with 19 games played, 24 innings pitched, and an ERA of 3.00, making it even harder to accept the trade.

While he well understands that this trade was made because his value was recognized, all factors—his special attachment to his hometown team, his beloved teammates, and the unexpected parting—converged into a feeling of regret.

Lee Hyung-beom said, "Perhaps it's because I didn't expect it, but when the entire squad exchanged greetings, it was sad. I thought I had finally settled in at KIA, but now it feels strange to leave. I've grown very attached, and many close friends have been made." He continued, "KIA is a team full of affection. The players themselves are deeply connected and bonded. That's why it was a team I didn't want to leave. My desire to perform even better was also strong. So, although I played well this year, it's regrettable that things turned out this way."

The tears of Shirakawa, who had the shortest connection with Lee Hyung-beom, touched his emotional state. Lee Hyung-beom said, "Teammates tried to smile and say kind words, but Shirakawa was crying. He seems very sensitive. Seeing him cry also made me feel a bit uneasy." He added, "Still, we agreed to have a meal together, so I plan to go and say my final goodbye. After all, we won't be strangers who never see each other again," trying hard to hide his regret.

He has now joined his fourth team since his debut and intends to use this as an opportunity to reset his mindset. Lee Hyung-beom said, "Since this is a good opportunity, I will pitch for Hanwha." He also stated, "I didn't have any ambitious plans this year; my goal was simply to finish the season without injury. I want to achieve that goal."

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*This content was translated by AI.